The Lawrence Massacre took place on August 21, 1863 during the American Civil War. It was perpetrated by William Clarke Quantrill and his guerilla raiders. The target of the attack was the city of Lawrence, Kansas because it was a haven for anti-slavery forces.

The attack was a direct response to suppression aid by the people of Kansas to the Missouri raiders, which were led by Quantrill, a member of the pro-slavery Confederate forces. Lawrence is also where Union and Jayhawker forces get a headstart when they enter into Missouri.

Before the Raid

The raid was partly caused by the issuance of General Thomas Ewing Jr.